Larnach Abuzz: Garden Tour & Introduction to Beekeeping

We start with a guided tour of the internationally recognised Gardens of Larnach castle is on offer, showcasing a wide range of plants, with an emphasis on those that attract bees.

Fiona Eadie, Head Gardener at Larnach Castle and author of '100 Best Natives for New Zealand Gardens', will be leading this enlightening tour.

The tour is followed by an introduction to beekeeping from Robert Waddell.

The introduction includes:
Components of a hive, What to wear, Where in Dunedin to buy the equipment, Bees and what their needs are over the course of the year, Where to source your first colony, Obligations and legal requirements for all beekeepers, Information regarding apiculture education in Dunedin and qualifications in apiculture.

Robert will conclude his workshop with a honey extraction, using the same extractor that was used at the Castle in the 1880's.

The afternoon will finish with afternoon tea and a tipple of mead for interest!

Part of the Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature.

Event schedule:
1:00 pm: Tour begins with Fiona Eadie
2:00pm: Join Robert Waddell for an introduction to beekeeping
2:45pm: Honey extraction demonstration
3:15pm: Afternoon tea in the Castle conservatory
4:00 pm: Event end